Kingston Council to tackle fly tipping
The council is working with its waste contractor, Veolia to reduce fly tipping incidents across the borough.
While Kingston had some of the fewest fly tip reports in London between 2019-20, there is still work to be done to deter criminal fly tippers and help educate residents and businesses about how to dispose of their waste safely and legally.
The council has identified fly tipping hotspots which are now being targeted by the council’s enforcement team and waste contractor, Veolia.
A fly tip can take a number of forms and is classed by the Government as “the illegal dumping of liquid or solid waste on land or in water”. Fly tipping in all of its guises is illegal and carries a variety of penalties; a £400 fixed penalty notice, an unlimited fine, or even a custodial sentence if convicted in a magistrates’ court.
When you think of fly tipping you may think of a fridge, mattress or rubble that has been dumped by the side of the road or somewhere secluded. While this is certainly fly tipping, it is not the only form it takes.
Did you know that putting rubbish out on a non-collection day or in the wrong place counts as fly tipping under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990? The same goes for items left outside charity shops, even though the intention to leave a donation may have been made in good faith.
Fly tipping has a financial impact on council tax payers and diverts resources away from other essential services. Not only is it unsightly and spoiling the borough for residents and visitors, it can also be harmful to people and the environment by polluting the soil and water supplies.
People, businesses, wildlife and plants all suffer because of it.
You can report fly tipping on our website.
There are many ways you can help reduce fly tipping across Kingston.
- If you’re looking for a company to take away items like old furniture, building rubble or old appliances, make sure you choose one which is a licensed waste carrier. You can find one by calling the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or visiting their website.
- If donating to charity shops, please don’t leave items outside. Only donate when they are open and confirm that they can accept your donations.
- Use your kerbside recycling and rubbish collection service. Find out what you can put in your bins.
- Only put your bins and bags out on your collection day. Check your collection day..
- Use your Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC) Book a visit to the HRRC.
- Use your council’s bulky waste collection service to get rid of big items. Book a bulky waste collection.